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Leica X Vario vs Sony H200

The Leica X Vario (Typ 107) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H200 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in June 2013 and January 2013. Both the X Vario and the H200 are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on an APS-C (X Vario) and a 1/2.3-inch (H200) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 16.1 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 15.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Leica X Vario
versus
Sony H200
Leica X Vario   Sony H200
Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
28-70mm f/3.5-6.4 24-633mm f/3.1-5.9
16.1 MP – APS-C sensor 15.2 MP – 1/2.3" sensor
1080/30p Video 720/30p Video
ISO 100-12,500 ISO 100-3,200
Viewfinder optional No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD – 920k dots 3.0" LCD – 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5 shutter flaps per second 0.8 shutter flaps per second
450 shots per battery charge240 shots per battery charge
133 x 73 x 95 mm, 680 g 123 x 83 x 87 mm, 530 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica X Vario (Typ 107) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H200? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Leica X Vario and the Sony H200 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X Vario can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the H200 is only available in black.

Size Leica X Vario vs Sony H200
Compare X Vario versus H200 top
Comparison X Vario or H200 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony H200 is notably larger (5 percent) than the Leica X Vario. However, the H200 is markedly lighter (22 percent) than the X Vario. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X Vario nor the H200 are weather-sealed.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica X Vario 133 mm 73 mm 95 mm 680 g 450 n Jun 2013 2,850ebay.com
2.
 
Sony H200 123 mm 83 mm 87 mm 530 g 240 n Jan 2013 249ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX520 120 mm 82 mm 92 mm 441 g 210 n Jul 2014 399ebay.com
4.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113 140 mm 79 mm 88 mm 635 g 450 Y Jan 2016 2,950ebay.com
5.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 130 mm 80 mm 93 mm 640 g 300 n Jun 2015 4,249ebay.com
6.
 
Leica T 134 mm 69 mm 33 mm 384 g 400 n Apr 2014 1,850ebay.com
7.
 
Leica X Typ 113 133 mm 73 mm 78 mm 486 g 350 n Sep 2014 2,295ebay.com
8.
 
Leica X2 124 mm 69 mm 52 mm 345 g 450 n May 2012 1,995ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon B500 114 mm 78 mm 95 mm 541 g 600 n Jan 2016 299ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon L840 113 mm 78 mm 96 mm 538 g 590 n Feb 2015 299ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon Df 144 mm 110 mm 67 mm 760 g 1400 Y Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon Coolpix A 111 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 230 n Mar 2013 1,099ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 137 mm 99 mm 131 mm 831 g 360 n Jun 2014 899ebay.com
14.
 
Ricoh GR 117 mm 61 mm 35 mm 245 g 290 n Apr 2013 799ebay.com
15.
 
Sony H400 130 mm 95 mm 122 mm 628 g 300 n Feb 2014 319ebay.com
16.
 
Sony H300 128 mm 89 mm 92 mm 590 g 350 n Feb 2014 219ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX1R 113 mm 65 mm 70 mm 482 g 270 n Jun 2013 2,799ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The H200 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 91 percent) than the X Vario, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica X Vario features an APS-C sensor and the Sony H200 a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The sensor area in the H200 is 92 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 5.6. The sensor in the X Vario has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the H200 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Leica X Vario and Sony H200 sensor measures

With 16.1MP, the X Vario offers a slightly higher resolution than the H200 (15.2MP), but the X Vario nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.80μm versus 1.36μm for the H200) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the X Vario is a somewhat more recent model (by 5 months) than the H200, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the H200 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The Leica X Vario (Typ 107) has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12500. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H200 are ISO 100 to ISO 3200 (no boost).

In terms of underlying technology, the X Vario is build around a CMOS sensor, while the H200 uses a CCD imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

X Vario versus H200 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Leica X Vario APS-C 16.1 4928 32721080/30p23.412.7132078
2.
 
Sony H200 1/2.3 15.2 5184 2930720/30p19.911.252944
3.
 
Canon SX520 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/30p20.111.567246
4.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.813.0161480
5.
 
Leica Q Typ 116 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.7222185
6.
 
Leica T APS-C 16.2 4944 32781080/30p23.012.7108275
7.
 
Leica X Typ 113 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.612.8149178
8.
 
Leica X2 APS-C 16.1 4928 3264none23.212.4127574
9.
 
Nikon B500 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/60i20.311.781048
10.
 
Nikon L840 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/60i20.211.672147
11.
 
Nikon Df Full Frame 16.2 4928 3280none24.613.1327989
12.
 
Nikon Coolpix A APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.413.8116480
13.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.111.751764
14.
 
Ricoh GR APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.613.597278
15.
 
Sony H400 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/30p20.111.463045
16.
 
Sony H300 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/30p20.111.463045
17.
 
Sony RX1R Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p25.013.6253791
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the X Vario provides a higher video resolution than the H200. It can shoot video footage at 1080/30p, while the Sony is limited to 720/30p.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The X Vario and the H200 are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. That said, the X Vario can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF 2. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Leica X Vario and Sony H200 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Leica X Variooptional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
2.
 
Sony H200none n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/1500s 0.8/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon SX520none n3.0 / 461 fixed n 1/2000s 1.6/s Y Y
4.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
5.
 
Leica Q Typ 1163680 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s n Y
6.
 
Leica Toptional n3.7 / 1230 fixed Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Leica X Typ 113optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
8.
 
Leica X2optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon B500none n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/4000s 7.4/s Y Y
10.
 
Nikon L840none n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/4000s 7.4/s Y Y
11.
 
Nikon Dfoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n n
12.
 
Nikon Coolpix Aoptional n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/2000s 4.0/s Y n
13.
 
Panasonic FZ10002359 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Ricoh GRoptional n3.0 / 1230 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
15.
 
Sony H400210 n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/2000s 0.7/s Y Y
16.
 
Sony H300none n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/1500s 0.8/s Y Y
17.
 
Sony RX1Roptional n3.0 / 1229 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

Both the X Vario and the H200 have zoom lenses built in. The X Vario has a 28-70mm f/3.5-6.4 optic and the H200 offers a 24-633mm f/3.1-5.9 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Sony provides a wider angle of view at the short end, as well as more tele-photo reach at the long end than the Leica. The H200 offers the faster maximum aperture.

The X Vario writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the H200 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Leica X Vario (Typ 107) and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H200 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Leica X VarioYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Sony H200-mono / mono---2.0---
3.
 
Canon SX520-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
4.
 
Leica X-U Typ 113Ystereo / mono---2.0---
5.
 
Leica Q Typ 116Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
6.
 
Leica TYstereo / mono---2.0Y--
7.
 
Leica X Typ 113Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Leica X2Y- / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon B500-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
10.
 
Nikon L840-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
11.
 
Nikon DfY- / ---mini2.0---
12.
 
Nikon Coolpix AYstereo / mono---2.0---
13.
 
Panasonic FZ1000Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
14.
 
Ricoh GRYmono / mono--micro2.0---
15.
 
Sony H400-mono / mono--micro2.0Y--
16.
 
Sony H300-mono / mono--micro2.0Y--
17.
 
Sony RX1RYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
padding

It is notable that the X Vario has a hotshoe, while the H200 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

Both the X Vario and the H200 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. Neither of the two has a direct successor, so they represent the end of the respective camera lines from Leica and Sony. Further information on the features and operation of the X Vario and H200 can be found, respectively, in the Leica X Vario Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony H200 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Leica X Vario and the Sony H200? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Arguments in favor of the Leica X Vario (Typ 107):

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
  • Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (1080/30p vs 720/30p).
  • More framing options: Can be equipped with a hotshoe-mounted accessory-viewfinder.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (920k vs 460k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/2000s vs 1/1500s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5 vs 0.8 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (450 versus 240) on a single battery charge.
  • Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 5 months after the H200).

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Advantages of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H200:

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/3.1 vs f/3.5).
  • Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
  • More tele-reach: Has a longer tele-lens for perspective compression and subject magnification.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 150g or 22 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (91 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in January 2013).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the X Vario is the clear winner of the match-up (14 : 8 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

X Vario 14:08 H200

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica X Vario and the Sony H200 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best Superzoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the X Vario or the H200 perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Leica X Vario3/5......4/54/5 Jun 2013 2,850ebay.com
2.
 
Sony H200........3.5/53.5/5 Jan 2013 249ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX520..+....3.5/53.5/5 Jul 2014 399ebay.com
4.
 
Leica X-U Typ 1133.5/5........3.5/5 Jan 2016 2,950ebay.com
5.
 
Leica Q Typ 1165/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2015 4,249ebay.com
6.
 
Leica T3/5......4/54/5 Apr 2014 1,850ebay.com
7.
 
Leica X Typ 1133.5/5......3.5/54/5 Sep 2014 2,295ebay.com
8.
 
Leica X23/5......3/54/5 May 2012 1,995ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon B500..+....4/53.5/5 Jan 2016 299ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon L840..+ +....3.5/54/5 Feb 2015 299ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon Df4/5....81/1004/54/5 Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon Coolpix A4/5+..75/1004/54/5 Mar 2013 1,099ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic FZ10004/5+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2014 899ebay.com
14.
 
Ricoh GR5/5....79/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 799ebay.com
15.
 
Sony H400..o....3.5/53.5/5 Feb 2014 319ebay.com
16.
 
Sony H300..+....4.5/54/5 Feb 2014 219ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX1R5/5......4/54.5/5 Jun 2013 2,799ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Leica X Vario vs Sony H200

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Leica X Vario Sony H200
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 28-70mm f/3.5-6.4 24-633mm f/3.1-5.9
    Launch Date June 2013 January 2013
    Launch Price USD 2,850 USD 249
    Sensor Specs Leica X Vario Sony H200
    Sensor Technology CMOS CCD
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor 1/2.3" Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.6 x 15.7 mm 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 370.52 mm2 28.0735 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.3 mm 7.7 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 5.6x
    Sensor Resolution 16.1 Megapixels 15.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4928 x 3272 pixels 5184 x 2930 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.80 μm 1.36 μm
    Pixel Density 4.35 MP/cm2 54.10 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 720/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12,500 ISO 100 - 3,200 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 78 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.4 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.7 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1320 ..
    Screen Specs Leica X Vario Sony H200
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional no viewfinder
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 920k dots 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Leica X Vario Sony H200
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 0.8 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no no
    Connectivity Specs Leica X Vario Sony H200
    External Flash Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI no HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Leica X Vario Sony H200
    Battery Type Leica BP-DC8 Sony 4xAA
    Battery Life (CIPA)450 shots per charge240 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 133 x 73 x 95 mm
    (5.2 x 2.9 x 3.7 in)
    123 x 83 x 87 mm
    (4.8 x 3.3 x 3.4 in)
    Camera Weight 680 g (24.0 oz) 530 g (18.7 oz)
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